Abstract/Summary

[1] The Antarctic-Arctic Radiation-belt (Dynamic) Deposition-VLF Atmospheric Research Konsortium
(AARDDVARK) provides a network of continuous long-range observations of the lower ionosphere in the
polar regions. Our ultimate aim is to develop the network of sensors to detect changes in ionization
levels from 30--90 km altitude, globally, continuously, and with high time resolution, with the goal of
increasing the understanding of energy coupling between the Earth’s atmosphere, the Sun, and space. This
science area impacts our knowledge of space weather processes, global atmospheric change,
communications, and navigation. The joint New Zealand-United Kingdom AARDDVARK is a new
extension of a well-established experimental technique, allowing long-range probing of ionization changes
at comparatively low altitudes. Most other instruments which can probe the same altitudes are limited
to essentially overhead measurements. At this stage AARDDVARK is essentially unique, as similar systems
are only deployed at a regional level. The AARDDVARK network has contributed to the scientific
understanding of a growing list of space weather science topics including solar proton events, the descent
of NOx into the middle atmosphere, substorms, precipitation of energetic electrons by plasmaspheric
hiss and electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, the impact of coronal mass ejections upon the radiation
belts, and relativistic electron microbursts. Future additions to the receiver network will increase the
science potential and provide global coverage of space weather event signatures.